JAGUAR news.

Prices have been announced for four-wheel-drive editions of Jaguar’s brand new XE saloon, with the drivetrain paired exclusively to the 178bhp 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine and ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. Offered with a choice of four trim levels - SE, Prestige, R-Sport and Portfolio - prices start at Ј33,825 and rise to Ј37,225. CO2 emissions are nudged up a notch to 123g/km, compared to 109g/km on rearwheel- drive editions, with fuel economy on the combined cycle rated at 60.1mpg compared to 67.3mpg. The extra reassurance of four-wheel-drive comes at a time when one of its biggest rivals, the BMW 3 Series, is selling well in xDrive guise. Couple that with Audi’s A4 quattro that has been around for years, and it’s clear that there is demand for all-wheel-drive in a compact executive car. Other changes for the 2017 model year XE include the availability of Jaguar’s new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, incorporating a 10.2-inch touchscreen. In addition, for Apple Watch users, a new InControl Remote smartphone app allows owners to lock and unlock the car, check how much fuel is left in the tank, and get an update on the car’s location. It’s also possible to set the climate control to heat or cool the cabin, and start the car remotely to gain a perfect temperature before you even venture outside of the front door. The latest XE is on sale now at Jaguar retailers, with the first cars set to arrive early next year.

MAZDA news.

Already installed under the bonnets of the Mazda2 and CX-3, the Japanese firm has now begun selling versions of the Mazda3 with the 103bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine. For the first time, Mazda’s medium-sized car is capable of emitting less than 100g/km of CO2, with the new powerplant achieving 74.3mpg and emissions of just 99g/km. It’s offered with both five-door hatchback and four-door Fastback bodystyles, and the choice of manual or automatic transmission - the latter exclusive to hatchback editions. The new engine is capable of achieving a maximum speed of 116mph and accelerates to 62mph in 11.0 seconds. Maximum torque of 199lb ft is produced between 1,600 and 2,500rpm. Available in each of the five trim levels - SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav - prices start at Ј18,895 for the SE 1.5-litre diesel hatchback and Fastback, while the flagship of the line-up, the Sport Nav 1.5 diesel automatic hatchback is priced at Ј23,145. On sale since 1st December, the first examples are arriving in UK showrooms about now.

CBR 300R.

Possibly the most awaited Honda motorcycle in India, the CBR 300, when it does make its appearance on our shores, will take the fight straight to the Yamaha YZF-R3 and KTM RC 390. It is powered by a 286-cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine.